Taskin: Tigers pacers not far behind Australia

Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed on Monday said although Australia have some fine pacemen in their ranks, the Tigers are not far behind in this aspect. Taskin said this to the media ahead of the first of two Test matches between the two teams, scheduled to get underway in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. “Obviously their (Australia) fast bowlers are good. With that said, our pacers are good as well. Our pacemen have won big matches for the team. We can produce a fine performance in this series as well. We have the confidence,” said Taskin.

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The Aussies will count on the likes of Jackson Bird, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, leader of the pace pack in the absence of Mitchell Starc, when they take on the Tigers. In contrast, the home side boast Taskin, Mustafizur Rahman and Shafiul Islam in their line-up. A lot has been said about Mustafizur’s recent struggles but Taskin believes the left-arm pace bowler will come good against the Aussies.

Bangladesh team practice today at SBNCS ahead of Australia Series pic.twitter.com/uC1dk0mJBk

— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) August 21, 2017

“We always expect a lot from Mustafizur. And he fulfills the expectations. Maybe he didn’t do all that well in the recent matches. However, it happens to the best of pacemen in world cricket. They also struggle in one or two matches. We are not thinking about this. I hope he makes a comeback,” Taskin explained. He continued, “Besides Mustafizur, we also have responsibility to do something good against Australia. They are one of the world’s best teams. But we know the (home) wickets better than them. We are familiar with everything. I hope we do well in the series.” As for his own form, Taskin, who has played only four Tests so far in his career, thinks he will only get better with time.

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He added,”To tell you the truth, I haven’t played that many Tests. Having played four Tests, I think this format is hard. Previously I only played ODIs and T20Is. Now I’m playing Tests. In the longer version, you have to play according to plan. Change of pace is required. Hopefully we will do well in accordance with the situation. “With the grace of the Almighty, my fitness is much better than before. Thanks to the Almighty, I haven’t suffered any major injury in the last two years. In Tests, you have to take each session as it comes. In ODIs and T20Is, one or two good spells are enough to end the game. But in Tests, you have to bowl seven or eight spells. “It is not that easy. I really enjoyed bowling in New Zealand, not so much in Sri Lanka. And I haven’t played a single Test at home. I think I need to have patience. I hope I’ll do something good going forward.”